Unit Study: Kindergarten Invention

Age and Grade Requirements

• Age: 5-6 years old
• Grade: Kindergarten

Goals

By the end of this unit study, students will be able to:

1. Explore the world of inventions and innovation.
2. Understand the concept of solving problems through creativity.
3. Develop curiosity and critical thinking skills.
4. Enhance communication skills through discussions and presentations.
5. Gain exposure to basic concepts of science, technology, and human progress.

Schedule (5 Days)

Day 1: Introduction to Inventions

• Introduction to the concept of inventions and their impact
• Identify and discuss everyday inventions (e.g., telephone, lightbulb)
• Arts and crafts: Create “Inventions Collage” using pictures and magazine cutouts

Day 2: Inventors and Their Creations

• Focus on famous inventors: Discuss inventors and their contributions
• Learn about their inventions and how they changed the world
• Craft activity: Create “Inventor’s Portrait” inspired by a famous inventor

Day 3: Everyday Inventions

• Explore everyday inventions: Discuss objects we use in daily life
• Engage in activities that involve simple machines (e.g., pulleys, levers)
• Reading a related storybook

Day 4: Problem Solving and Innovation

• Focus on problem-solving and innovation: Discuss identifying and solving problems
• Engage in a hands-on activity where students design and create their own inventions
• Science experiment: Simple chemical reactions or basic physics experiment

Day 5: Inventions Fair and Culmination

• Organize an “Inventions Fair” where students showcase their creations
• Discuss the process of inventing and innovating
• Culmination activity: Create a class “Inventions Museum” with students’ displays

Recommended Books (with Amazon Links)

1. “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty Amazon Link
2. “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires Amazon Link
3. “Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions” by Chris Barton Amazon Link

Recommended Video Links

1. StoryBots: “Inventors” YouTube Link
2. SciShow Kids: “Simple Machines for Kids” YouTube Link
3. The Kid Should See This: “How does a Light Bulb Work?” YouTube Link

Arts and Crafts Activity

Create “Inventor’s Portrait”: Provide art supplies for students to create portraits of famous inventors.

Hands-On Activity

“Inventor’s Workshop”: Provide materials for students to design and create their own simple inventions.

Culmination Activity

Host an “Inventions Fair” where students showcase their inventions and explain the problem-solving process. Create a class “Inventions Museum” to display students’ creations.

Bible Connection

Discuss the concept of creativity, stewardship, and using one’s talents for the betterment of others as found in the Bible, exploring passages that highlight God’s role as the ultimate Creator and the importance of using our abilities for positive purposes (e.g., Genesis 1:1, Colossians 3:23).